Split Battery Unit Layout for AWD Propeller Shaft Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of a high voltage battery unit under the center floor of a vehicle poses challenges in accommodating a propeller shaft, necessitating a separate motor for all-wheel drive, which limits power performance due to restricted motor size.
Innovation Solution
A battery unit design with two battery compartments and a connecting portion that allows a propeller shaft to pass through, enabling power transmission from the front power train to the rear wheel while maintaining space for the battery unit under the center floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the high voltage battery unit is mounted under the center floor of the vehicle, then the utilization of the trunk or luggage compartment is maximized, but it becomes difficult to secure space for disposing a propeller shaft for transmitting power from the power train to the rear wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The battery unit is divided into two separate battery compartments (first and second battery compartments) positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. This segmentation creates a central space between the compartments that can accommodate the propeller shaft, thus resolving the conflict between maximizing trunk space and securing propeller shaft installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller shaft is nested within the space formed by the battery unit structure itself. The connecting portion of the battery unit is configured to allow the propeller shaft to pass through, effectively nesting the drivetrain component within the battery assembly's footprint rather than requiring separate dedicated space.
2Area of stationary object
If the high voltage battery unit is mounted under the center floor of the vehicle, then trunk space is maximized, but a separate motor must be mounted to implement all-wheel drive operation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery unit into two compartments with a connecting portion, the design preserves the original power train configuration with a single front-mounted motor. The propeller shaft can transmit power to the rear wheel without requiring an additional rear motor, thus maintaining simpler drivetrain architecture while maximizing trunk space.
3Power
If the size of the motor for driving the rear wheel is increased to improve power performance, then all-wheel drive capability is enhanced, but the installation space becomes insufficient when battery unit is mounted under the center floor
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented battery compartment design creates adequate installation space for a sufficiently sized rear wheel motor while maintaining center floor mounting. The space between the first and second battery compartments provides room for the motor without compromising trunk space utilization, thus resolving the conflict between power performance and installation space constraints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for the implementation of all-wheel drive without a separate rear motor, enhancing power performance by securing space for the propeller shaft and maximizing trunk space, while also improving vehicle body rigidity and cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling block disposed under each of the battery modules and receiving and discharging coolant to cool the battery module
Implementation Method 2
an upper case installed on the lower case and having a coolant inlet port through which the coolant is supplied to the cooling block and a coolant outlet port through which the coolant is discharged from the cooling block
Data Source
AI summary
A battery unit for a vehicle is provided and includes a lower case having two battery compartments arranged in a direction toward opposite sides of the vehicle, respectively, and a connecting portion bent to be convex upwardly between the two battery compartments. Battery modules are installed in the two battery compartments, respectively. A cooling block is disposed under each of the battery modules and receives and discharges coolant to cool the battery module. An upper case is installed on the lower case and has a coolant inlet port through which the coolant is supplied to the cooling block and a coolant outlet port through which the coolant is discharged from the cooling block.